Christmas is one of the most familiar seasons of the year. Lights glow, songs play, gifts are exchanged, and traditions fill our calendars. Yet it is possible to be surrounded by all the sights and sounds of Christmas and still miss its true meaning. Matthew chapter 2 introduces us to a powerful and tragic example of this reality. Herod the king stood closer to the first Christmas than almost anyone, yet he completely missed it.
Matthew tells us, “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem” (Matthew 2:1). Herod heard the news that shook history itself. A child had been born who was not merely another ruler, but “born King of the Jews.” This was not a king who would one day inherit a throne. This was a King by birth, by right, and by eternity. Yet instead of rejoicing, Herod was troubled. The truth reached his ears, but it never reached his heart.
Herod’s story reminds us that missing Christmas is not about missing a holiday. It is about missing Christ. You can know the facts, hear the message, and live near religious truth, yet still walk away unchanged. Herod knew about Jesus, but he refused to bow to Him.
1. Informed but Unchanged
When the wise men arrived in Jerusalem asking where the King of the Jews had been born, Herod did what many religious people do. He gathered the chief priests and scribes and asked them what the Scriptures said. They answered clearly, quoting the prophecy that Christ would be born in Bethlehem. Herod was informed. He knew the truth. He understood the prophecy.
But knowledge alone did not change him. The truth reached his head, but it never touched his heart. Herod heard exactly what God’s Word said, yet he rejected its implications. Information without surrender always leaves a person unchanged.
This danger still exists today. Many people know the Christmas story. They know Jesus was born in Bethlehem, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose again. But knowing truth without responding to truth leads to a missed opportunity. Just as safety instructions on a plane only help if they are followed, the gospel only saves when it is received. Herod heard the truth and still missed Christmas.
2. Interested but Insincere
Herod did not stop at information. He appeared interested. In Matthew 2:7–8, he privately questioned the wise men and told them, “Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.” His words sounded right, but his heart was wrong.
Herod had no intention of worshiping Jesus. He wanted control without Christ. He wanted authority without surrender. His interest was shallow and insincere. What he said did not match what he desired.
This kind of response is common even today. It is easy to be interested in Jesus without being obedient to Him. Many are curious about spiritual things, but curiosity is not commitment. Interest costs nothing, but worship costs everything. Herod wanted to protect his throne, and many still do the same. They like the idea of Jesus, but they do not want Him ruling their lives.
3. Religious but Rebellious
Herod lived in Jerusalem, the religious center of the Jewish world. He was surrounded by priests, Scripture, and tradition. He even made plans that sounded spiritual. Yet beneath the surface, his heart was in rebellion against God.
Herod was disturbed by Christ’s presence. The Bible says he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Instead of humbling himself, he became defensive. He pretended spiritual interest, but refused to surrender control. When he realized the wise men would not return, his rebellion revealed itself fully in violence and rage.
Religion without submission always leads to resistance. It is possible to attend church, hear sermons, and live near spiritual truth while still keeping yourself on the throne. But Christmas reminds us that Christ did not come to share the throne. He came to be King. “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). A gift must be received, not admired from a distance.
Herod missed the birth of Christ because he would not give up control. Jerusalem missed its Redeemer while surrounded by religion. The same danger exists for us today if we refuse to surrender our hearts to Christ.
Reflection Question
Are you allowing the truth of Christmas to reach only your head, or has it truly touched your heart? What might be keeping you from fully surrendering to the King who came to save you?